Embedded PBXT is Cool

Martin Scholl (@zeit_geist) has started a new project based on the PBXT storage engine: EPBXT - Embedded PBXT! In his first blog he describes how you can easily build the latest version: Building Embedded PBXT from bzr.

The interesting thing about this project is that it exposes the "raw" power of the engine. Some basic performance tests show this really is the case.

At the lowest level, PBXT does not impose any format on the data stored in tables and indexes. When running as a MySQL storage engine it uses the MySQL native row and index formats. Theoretically it would be possible to expose this in an embedded API. The work Martin is doing goes in at this level. The wrapper around the engine determines the data types, data sizes, row and index format. Comparison operations for the data types are also supplied by the embedded code or user program.

This flexibility will make it possible for an application to store its own data very efficiently. As Martin suggested, it would also be possible to use Google's protobuf's for the row format. This would eliminate the need to use an ALTER TABLE for many types of changes to a table's definition!

Of course, EPBXT is still a way from realizing this vision, and Martin has some very specific problems he wants to solve with the development. However, judging by his command of the code within such a short time, this is going to be a project to watch in the future!

Ken we will miss you!

What does it take for someone, fiercely loyal to a company to suddenly leave? Ken Jakobs, Oracle employee number 18, a man that sincerely loves the company, has resigned! The only reason I can think of is an extreme snub!

I must say, I am very disappointed. The prospect of Ken running MySQL was a light at the end of the tunnel for the community. Why? Because Ken is a MySQL insider! He knows the project, he knows the community.

As an engine developer I have come to know Ken well over the last 4 years. He lead the InnoDB team and is largely responsible for the improvements made to the engine since the Oracle acquisition. At the yearly Engine Summit he was always professional and constructive in his suggestions, with a deep technical knowledge of the subject. His track record shows that he has always kept his word with regard to Oracle's intensions with InnoDB, and I would trust him to do the same with MySQL.

Goodbye Ken. This is great loss for both the MySQL community and Oracle!